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Models

THE JOB

MODELS wear, use, or pose with products to display and advertise them.
Print (Photographic) Models are the most familiar.  They pose for pictures
that appear in magazines, newspapers, or catalogs.  Some of them specialize
in ad photography for products ranging from detergents to computers.  Models
may be posed by the photographer or improvise a variety of poses themselves.
They are hired by ad agencies or freelance photographers to do a specific
job and are photographed wearing the newest fashions, cosmetics, hair styles
or jewelry.  Their pictures appear on magazine covers, in magazines and on
billboards.  They are generally at the top of their profession.

Fashion Models work for clothing manufacturers, dress designers, department
stores or dress salons.  They model in formal fashion shows or informally in
private showings.  Accompanied by music, they walk, twirl and turn on a
platform or runway before a live audience to give the fullest view of
fashions worn.

Showroom or Fitting Models model clothes and accessories for buyers in
manufacturers' showrooms.  They need standard measurements that fit showroom
designer sizes perfectly and show them off to the best possible advantage.
Their busiest seasons are spring and fall when new designs are shown.  

Commercial (Television) Models appear on taped or filmed commercials
showcasing consumer goods.  For products that require speaking lines, they
may need acting experience.

Artists' Models pose for art classes and professional artists like painters,
sculptors and photographers.  

Relatively few models work full time for one employer. Those who do usually
perform clerical, sales, or other work for the firm during off seasons.
Most models work for employers on a free-lance basis, with temporary
assignments lasting from one hour to several weeks or months.  Some
specialize in one type of modeling, while others perform various types of
work.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Models work in all kinds of environments and settings, frequently under
uncomfortable conditions. They may pose outdoors wearing out-of-season
clothing, hold an awkward position for up to 30 minutes, or stand and walk
continuously without showing signs of strain.  The need to follow strict
routines of diet, sleep, and exercise can interfere with a normal social life.

Models who appear in films or television usually belong to the Screen Actors
Guild (SAG), Screen Extras Guild (SEG) or the American Federation of
Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), or all.  Artists' models may belong to
models' unions, co-ops, or guilds which schedule jobs and negotiate fees.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division.  This information is for
the broad occupational group, Demonstrators, Promoters, and Models, of which
Models are a part.

Estimated number of workers in 1993            12,440
Estimated number of workers in 2005            18,740
Projected Growth 1993-2005                        51%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005   6,290

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)

Models work in a relatively small occupation.  Most modeling jobs are
located in major metropolitan areas--Los Angeles and San Francisco are the
two areas in the state with most modeling opportunities.  

Because of the glamour associated with modeling, there are far more job
seekers than available modeling jobs.  Competition is intense and success is
rare. 

Most job opportunities come from the need to replace models who leave the
occupation, as well as from the constant demand for new faces.  Careers may
last only a few years--sometimes because models lose their youthful
appearance or a particular look goes out of style. 


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Agents for models say that only a handful of the professional models ever
attain superstar status with yearly salaries more than $100,000.  Most
freelance models earn less than $1,500 per month, even during busy seasons.
This is because they have to pay modeling agency commissions that average
between 10 and 20 percent of their gross pay.  A few top models earn between
$2,500 and $5,000 per month or more.  Retail department stores pay models
between $10 and $50 or more per hour plus discounts on purchases.  

Photographic models earn from $12 to $100 per hour.  High fashion
photographic models can earn up to $500 per hour or more.

Beginners work only a few hours each week, but they spend a great deal of
time auditioning and trying to build a reputation.  In fact, most models
don't get enough assignments to fully support themselves.  They often wait
tables, clean homes or do other jobs to augment their incomes--especially
when they are just starting out in the industry.  


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Models must have the right look for their work.  This means being attractive
and well proportioned.  For live fashion shows, female models are expected
to wear clothing in sizes 6 to 10 and be 5' 8" to 6' tall.  Male fashion
models wear sizes 39 or 40 regular or 40 long and range in height from 5'11"
to 6' 4".  Size requirements are rigid because manufacturers' and designers'
samples come in certain standard sizes.  Petite models are 5' to 5'4" tall.
Larger models show sizes ranging from 14 to 20.

The camera "adds" at least ten pounds to the physical appearance, so
photographic and television models are usually thinner than those in fashion
shows.  Artists' models represent a variety of physical types. 

Models should appear poised, energetic and dynamic, possess self-discipline
and work well with others.  Above all, they need optimism and the spirit to
keep trying in this highly competitive career field. 


HOW TO TRAIN

High school students should take courses in art, sewing, fashion design,
drama, and dance.  Modeling schools can help prospective models develop
confidence and poise.  Students can practice moves and graceful poses on a
ramp and in front of cameras.  They also learn about skin and hair care and
effective uses of makeup.  Fashion career classes are offered in community
colleges and Regional Occupational Program (ROP) centers.  


ADVANCEMENT

Modeling careers are typically brief.  Models can train for related careers
like fashion designers or consultants, buyers, photographers or actors.  By
taking business and administrative courses, they can prepare to own or
manage schools or agencies.


FINDING THE JOB

Most models work for professional modeling agencies to get assignments or
leads.  Some agencies hold open interviews on certain days of the week.
Modeling schools provide placement services for students and graduates.
Artists' models find work by applying to schools or through models' guilds.

Models need a portfolio--a collection of photographs and, increasingly, a
video--to take to interviews.  They also need one-page composites (pictures)
showing several poses to send prospective employers.  They pay for
photography, printing and video costs that may range from $200 to $500 or
more.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

For a list of approved modeling schools write or call:

Council on Private Post Secondary and Vocational 
Education
1027 Tenth Street, Fourth Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814-3517
(916) 445-3427

To verify that a talent and/or modeling agency is licensed by the State, write
or call:

Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
Licensing and Registration
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94142
(415) 703-4810

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Buyers                                  No. 118
Fashion Designers                       No. 185

OCCUPATIONAL CODE  REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991)
Model, Garment                      297.667-014
Model, Photographers'               961.367-010
Model, Artists'                     961.667-010

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Demonstrators, Promoters, and Models     490320


Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
        Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
        (916) 262-2162.